These investigators use molecular methods to investigate mechanisms related to diseases of the heart and circulatory system, including those that affect specific organs such as the brain, kidney, or placenta. Research areas include hypertension, circulation, cardiac function, coagulation, atherosclerosis, and aging.

Parks, John, PhD– The role of tissue-specific expression of ABCA1 in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The role of apoA-IV in hepatic lipid mobilization and hepatosteatosis. Atheroprotective mechanisms of botanical oils (borage and echium). The role of apoL1 risk variants in end-stage renal disease in African Americans. Smith, Thomas L., PhD- Effects of exercise and PPAR? agonists on myocardial performance; Tissue engineered peripheral nerve conduits in mice; Regulation of neuromuscular function at the cellular level

Genomics and Clinical Genetics

These scientists explore the contribution of specific genes to both physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. A major focus is on the experimental manipulation of genes and gene expression in human populations, animal models, and cell-based systems with analyses of phenotypic consequences. All studies are facilitated by advanced, high-throughput technologies in combination with functional computational analysis.

Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases

These investigators utilize molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to identify the processes that mediate host defense against invasive microbial or viral pathogens and similar mechanisms involved in inflammatory tissue injury. This includes identifying mechanisms by which immune cells respond to infection, host cell-pathogen interaction, and regulation of inflammatory mediators.

Yoza, Barbara, PhD* - Deciphering the molecular events associated with the onset and progression of septic shock, particularly as it relates to the synthesis inflammatory mediators from cells of the blood

Pulmonary Function and Disease

Research in pulmonary medicine includes programs in airway smooth muscle and epithelial cell signal transduction, sequencing of genes associated with asthma and inflammation, disease-related phenotypes, and the response to medications used to treat these diseases. Other studies include phospholipase-mediated surfactant injury in asthma and ARDS and mechanisms regulating cell injury and death. Many of these studied involve human subjects.

Regenerative Medicine

The mission of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is to harness the body’s ability to heal itself. Using biomaterials, genetic engineering, stem and progenitor cells, and tissue engineering modalities, the Institute investigates translational approaches ranging from gene and cell therapy to the replacement of damaged organs with engineered tissues.

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